Monday 13 / April / 2026
Muscat: His Excellency Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, has highlighted the Sultanate of Oman's success in ensuring regional supply chain continuity and facilitating increased air traffic despite current geopolitical challenges. During a joint media briefing, Oman Airports, Oman Air, and SalamAir revealed a period of robust performance in 2025, marked by revenue growth and enhanced operational efficiency.
The transformation plan initiated in September 2023 has achieved significant milestones, with Oman Air recording positive profits for the first time in approximately 15 years. The airline reported profits before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) of OMR 3.2 million in 2025, alongside a reduction in bank loans by OMR 27 million—the first decline in debt since 2009. The national carrier transported 5.8 million passengers during the year, representing a 7 per cent increase, with a notable 34 per cent rise in direct travel traffic.
Oman Airports also reported strong growth, with passenger traffic reaching approximately 15.2 million across the Sultanate's airports. Air cargo traffic saw a 4 per cent increase, reflecting rising demand and improved ground handling operations. The company is currently working to expand its network of destinations by attracting new international airlines and strengthening strategic partnerships to enhance Oman's global connectivity.
A key cornerstone of the sector’s future is the Muscat Airport City project, which aims to transform the Sultanate into a regional air logistics hub. This development will integrate logistics, commercial, and tourism services into a single interconnected system, expanding the economic scope of the aviation sector beyond standard flight operations. Additionally, the government's strategic acquisition of SalamAir is intended to restructure the sector on sound foundations, though both national carriers will continue to operate independently with their own fleets and commercial identities.
Looking toward the 2026–2030 strategy, the sector focuses on building an integrated aviation ecosystem that supports sustainable growth. This vision aligns with the government’s efforts to rebuild the aviation sector and enhance its competitiveness, ultimately consolidating the Sultanate of Oman’s position as a premier regional hub for both aviation and tourism.
